Michaela Kiersch returns from Catalonia with a huge ticklist. With Victima Perfecta (9a+) she managed her most difficult route to date, and with Crimptonite (8b+) she achieved the hardest onsight ascent of her career.
For Michaela Kiersch An intensive time in the Spanish climbing meccas Margalef and Oliana over. On her ticklist are tough routes like Victima Perfecta (9a+), Victimes del Passat R1 and R2 (both 8c+), Combifetis (8c) and Crimptonite (8b+, Onsight).
Struggle with high expectations
The ascent of Victima Perfecta (9a+) in particular represents a great success for the strong American, especially since it is her most difficult route to date. At the same time, she struggled a lot with her own high standards during the project planning phase.
My biggest fear going into this trip was knowing that I would be in the best shape of my life and at the same time not be able to express myself properly (through successful climbs).
Michaela Kiersch
She constantly had this in the back of her mind as she planned different routes and ultimately failed for weeks. “I am extremely intrinsically motivated and therefore have high expectations of myself,” says Michaela Kiersch.
As a result, she has severe struggles when she does not live up to her own demands, which manifests itself in the form of self-degrading thoughts, self-doubt and anxiety.
Doubt as part of project planning
“I knew I was capable of climbing Victima Perfecta.” This was shown by the fact that she fell on the last train for several days. However, her ego and the idea that she must have scored the line long ago held her back.
Looking back, Michaela Kiersch realized that she did not recognize the hard work and process involved in project planning.
I'm so glad that I've achieved an emotional maturity through climbing that allows me to be proud of myself.
Michaela Kiersch
Major regeneration needed
After a brutal month in Margalef, which took its toll on her body, Michaela Kiersch moved on to Oliana, where she achieved her first 8b+ onsight ascent.
I really wanted to maintain my momentum and was overjoyed with my first 8b+ onsight ascent.
Michaela Kiersch
Really euphoric, she started trying Joe Mama (9a+). Unfortunately, a central handle broke. And at some point, Michaela Kiersch simply ran out of energy. “Several days of rest couldn’t save me.” That's why she's now treating herself to a week or two of relaxation.
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- Does the renovation of Oliana even make sense? | Interview with Chris Frick
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Credits: Cover picture Michaela Kiersch